Barcelona-bound Thierry Henry has spoken of his reasons for quitting Arsenal for the Camp Nou - and one of them is that he could not face life at Emirates Stadium without manager Arsene Wenger.
The French striker - who is set to move to the Spanish giants in a deal reported to be worth £16million on a four-year contract - told fans in an open letter published in the Sun his reasons for moving on.
Henry admitted the departure of David Dein and the continuing uncertainty regarding Wenger's future were the main reasons for his decision to leave.
"Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," wrote Henry.
"Unfortunately and understandably he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal which finishes at the end of the coming season.
"I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein.
"This is solely my decision, no-one has forced me to do anything and I will represent myself in this transaction. I feel it is something I just had to do."
The former Monaco man is looking forward to the challenge of playing for Barcelona.
"Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there," continued Henry.
"But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin.
"They will always be in my heart, as will all the fans who make the game here so special. I will always have a special bond with Arsenal Football Club."
The Frenchman is expected to undergo a medical next Monday before signing a four-year deal at the Spanish giants.
"I still must pass a medical on Monday but yes, I have chosen Barcelona," Henry told French sports daily L'Equipe.
"I will sign there for the next four seasons.
"Nothing has been signed yet but both sides reached an agreement on Friday."
发表于 2007-6-23 22:30
收藏
分享
顶
鄙视
楼主